LAKEPORT — Almost a dozen more mosquito samples and one dead bird tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this week, the Lake County Vector Control District (LCVCD) announced Friday.
The mosquitoes were collected in Lakeport, Kelseyville, Clearlake Oaks, Anderson Marsh and Upper Lake, and the dead bird was a swallow found in Lower Lake.
According to the LCVCD, birds are the reservoir for WNV, and people can become infected when a mosquito bites a bird and then a person. Symptoms of the mild form of WNV include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. The severe form of WNV can be fatal.
“West Nile virus activity nearly doubled in the last week,” LCVCD District Manager and Research Director Jamesina Scott said. “In previous years, peak activity in Lake County has been in mid-August to mid-September, and that”s still two weeks away. I expect to see a lot more WNV this year.”
Residents are encouraged to bring along mosquito repellent if they attend an outdoor event after 5 p.m.
“Evenings are a very pleasant time to be outside right now — both for us and for the mosquitoes,” Scott said. “The mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active near sunset, and using a repellent will help protect you from mosquitoes.”
In recent years, several new repellents have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “There is a repellent for nearly every need now,” Scott said, who recommends looking at the small box on the label on repellent s where the active ingredients are listed.
According to Scott, there are five different active ingredients in mosquito repellent s that are proven effective and registered with the EPA: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 and para-menthane-diol.
“But they only work if you apply them,” Scott said. “And always read the label and follow directions.”
It only takes one bite to get WNV from an infected mosquito, and anyone of any age can get the disease, according to Scott.
Scott said there is no specific treatment for the virus, so the best approach is to avoid exposure to mosquito bites by following these guidelines:
Dump or drain standing water; mosquitoes cannot begin their life without water. Defend yourself against mosquitoes by using repellents. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically at dawn or dusk. Report neglected swimming pools by calling 263-4770 or visiting www.lcvcd.org.
Since 2004, four people in Lake County have been diagnosed with WNV. As of Aug. 1, a total of 24 mosquito samples, two dead birds and one sentinel chicken in Lake County have tested positive for the virus this year.
WNV has been detected in 33 California counties so far this year, mainly is mosquitoes and dead birds. Four human cases have been reported in the state, including one fatal case in Sacramento County.
The LCVCD, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 410 Esplanade St. in Lakeport. District officials ask residents to report mosquito problems by calling 263-4770 or visit the LCVCD office on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to get free-of-charge mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools.
Service can also be requested online at www.lcvcd.org. For information about WNV, visit www.westnile.ca.gov/.
